How to Keep Wasps and Bees Away in Yuba City, CA

Living in Yuba City means enjoying warm weather, thriving gardens, and plenty of time outdoors. However, with that comes the challenge of keeping wasps and bees at bay. While bees are crucial pollinators that support Yuba City’s agricultural industry—especially almond and fruit orchards—no one wants a beehive too close to their home. Wasps, on the other hand, can be aggressive and dangerous, especially for those allergic to their stings.

1. Eliminate Food Sources

Wasps and bees are naturally drawn to sweet and protein-rich foods. In Yuba City, where backyard barbecues and outdoor dining are common, these insects can quickly become a nuisance. Here’s how to make your yard less inviting:

• Secure Trash Bins: Ensure your outdoor garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Wasps are especially drawn to sugary soda cans and food scraps.
• Clean Up Food and Drinks Promptly: If you’re enjoying a cookout at Ellis Lake or Riverfront Park, be sure to clean up spills and dispose of leftovers properly.
• Store Pet Food Indoors: Leaving pet food outside, especially overnight, can attract unwanted visitors.
• Rinse Out Recyclables: If you have soda cans or juice containers in your recycling bin, rinse them thoroughly before disposal.
• Cover Food When Dining Outdoors: When enjoying a picnic or backyard meal, use food covers or mesh domes to prevent wasps from landing on your plate.

2. Use Natural Repellents

If you prefer an eco-friendly approach to keeping wasps and bees away, try these natural repellents:

• Peppermint Oil Spray: Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a bit of dish soap in a spray bottle. Apply it around patios, windows, and entry points. Wasps hate peppermint!
• Cucumber Peels: Place cucumber peels on window sills and around outdoor seating areas. ucumbers contain an acidic compound that creates a bitter, unpleasant scent for wasps, especially the peels. Relace often.
• Citronella, Eucalyptus, or Clove Candles: Burning these candles while sitting outside can help deter both wasps and mosquitoes.
• Dryer Sheets: Some homeowners in Yuba City have found that tucking dryer sheets into patio furniture cushions helps repel wasps.

3. Seal Entry Points Around Your Home

Wasps and bees may seek shelter inside your home, especially during hot summer months in Yuba City when temperatures can reach over 100°F. To keep them out, check for:

• Gaps in Siding & Roof Eaves: Inspect your home’s exterior and seal any cracks with caulk or expandable foam.
• Damaged Window & Door Screens: Make sure all window and door screens are intact. A single small tear can allow insects to enter.
• Unsealed Vents: Attic vents, dryer vents, and chimney openings are common entry points. Consider installing fine mesh screens over them.
• Cracks in Sheds & Decks: Wasps love to build nests in wooden structures. Repair any gaps or openings.

4. Limit Nesting Opportunities

In Yuba City, paper wasps and yellow jackets commonly build nests under eaves, in trees, and inside old structures. Here’s how to make your home less appealing:

• Remove Old Nests in Late Fall or Winter: If you notice an abandoned wasp nest, remove it before the new season starts.
• Hang a Fake Wasp Nest: Wasps are territorial and won’t build a nest near another colony. Fake nests can be purchased online or made using a brown paper bag. Learn more about decoy wasp nests.
• Trim Overgrown Trees & Shrubs: Wasps like to nest in dense foliage. Regular pruning keeps them away.
• Check Outdoor Structures: Inspect sheds, garages, and playhouses for early signs of wasp activity.

Learn more about what to do when you find a bee hive.

5. Avoid Attracting Bees & Wasps to Yourself

Bees and wasps can mistake you for a food source if you wear the wrong colors or scents. When outdoors, be mindful of:

• Clothing Choices: Bees are attracted to bright colors and floral patterns. Stick to neutral colors like white, beige, or gray.
• Scented Lotions & Perfumes: Sweet-smelling body products can lure bees and wasps right to you. Opt for unscented alternatives.
• Open Beverage Cans: Wasps are known to crawl inside soda cans. Always check before taking a sip!

6. Plant Wasp-Repelling Plants in Your Garden

Certain plants naturally deter wasps while adding beauty to your garden. Consider planting:

• Spearmint & Basil: Great for cooking and keeping wasps away.
• Marigolds: Their strong scent helps repel insects, including wasps.
• Eucalyptus: Besides its pleasant aroma, eucalyptus keeps wasps at bay.
• Lemongrass: Contains citronella, a well-known insect repellent that helps keep wasps and mosquitoes away.
• Garlic & Chives: Prevents wasps and other pests while being useful in cooking.
• Lemon Balm: Repels wasps and mosquitoes while attracting beneficial pollinators like butterflies.
• Wormwood: A natural deterrent, but keep it away from edible plants as it can be toxic.
• Rosemary & Thyme: Keep away wasps while enhancing your garden with their pleasant aroma and culinary use.
• Pennyroyal: A potent repellent for wasps and mosquitoes, though it should be planted with caution, as it can be toxic to pets if ingested.
• Geraniums: The strong scent of certain geranium varieties (especially citronella geraniums) is unpleasant to wasps and mosquitoes.
• Bay Laurel: Growing a bay laurel plant or placing bay leaves around outdoor seating areas.

For those concerned about attracting bees, opt for plants with minimal nectar, like ferns and ornamental grasses.

7. Call a Professional for Nest Removal

If you find an active wasp or beehive on your property, it’s best to avoid DIY removal, especially if:

• The nest is high up or hard to reach.
• You are allergic to stings.
• The nest is large (wasps can be aggressive when defending their home).

Professional pest control experts can safely remove wasp nests and/or relocate honeybee colonies without harming them.

Prevent Wasps and Bees in Your Yard

By following these proactive steps, Yuba City homeowners can enjoy their outdoor spaces without the stress of wasps and bees. Whether it’s sealing up entry points, using natural repellents, or calling professionals for nest removal, keeping your home wasp-free is possible!

If you’re dealing with stinging insect problems, look no further than your local pest control experts in Yuba City to inspect your property and provide long-term solutions.

Contact your local stinging insect specialists today to ensure your home stays safe and comfortable year-round.